Need A New Router; What Do You Guys Suggest For Best Range?

[HarryWeezer]

My Linksys is finally giving up the ghost and dropping connections - it's a WRT54GL, 802.11G, with the double antennas. I think the two antennas have been very helpful in getting me the range I need in our house. Our house is 100 feet long; the router is at one end and at the other end is a brick wall with a doorway, behind which is our living room; and that's where we connect via WiFi to a desktop, two Ipads and the Blu Ray. My gaming rig is in the same room as the router with an ethernet connection.

 

So, I'm looking for a new router and my primary concern is range - getting through that brick wall. PC mag in January listed what it considers the top 10 best routers -  http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2398080,00.asp - but the interesting thing here to me is that none of them have antennas. So, have we moved beyond the need for antennas to give us range?

 

What in your experience is the best router (price not a concern) to give me good range, and which won't require an engineer to set up?

 

Thanks for your help!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

(I should say that the desktop and Blu Ray will connect using the G spec, not N - don't know about the Ipads) 

Edited May 6, 2013 by SgtHarryWeezer

[Boomer]

there are many types you can get harry, I picked up a Linksys set up for a customer for about 129.00 that could send out over a 2500SqFt house with no repeaters or boosters. Don't remember the model though

[Boomer]

oh yeah, It was office max I think was where I found it

[Noears711XI]

Harry check out this one

 

 

ASUS RT-N66U Dual-Band Wireless-N900

[B-Murda]

I would recommend an 802.11ac router as it will be more future proof for you.

 

That said, most routers are going the way of internal antennas.

 

I have a 3000+ sqft home and no coverage issues and half the internal walls are brick lol (house had an addition added).

 

That said I am using an Netgear R6300v2 but the v2 is not yet released. I wouldn't get the non v2 version as BIG size difference, so if the v2 isn't out when you go to buy look at Asus or another brand 802.11ac router.

 

I have two v2's and they are wireless bridged to my media center and connected at about 1.1Gbps wireless vs N has a max of 450Mbps...

 

802.11ac increases power output so has increased range and also has additional features, such as the ability to focus data streams based on the direction of devices which allows for stronger signals.

 

That said 802.11ac uses 5Ghz which doesn't have the distance 2.4Ghz will have and while the 802.11ac devices do also have 2.4Ghz they will only support N on that freq.

 

A lot of new devices support ac also now, new mobile phones, new laptops are starting too etc. so mine as well get off N now as it's getting replaced. ac is backwards compatible also fwiw.

[eidolonFIRE]

The antennas are all internal these days. If range is what you need, look into some of the manuals because some of the routers have as many as 5 antennas on the inside and they automatically switch between them to get best signal.

 

I have used and recommend the Netgear N600, or N750.  They are fantastic routers for the price. Cisco stuff is good but like apple products is overpriced most of the time.

 

WHATEVER YOU DO DON'T BUY D-LINK. THEY MAKE POOP PRODUCTS.

[HarryWeezer]

Thanks guys. After checking reviews, etc., I think I'll pick up the ASUS RT-N66U Dual-Band. Looks like just what I need. 

[B-Murda]

FWIW a new model exists:

 

ASUS RT-AC66U

 

If you're spending this much you mine as well go a bit more and make sure you are not starting behind the times right off the bat. Remember, all new cell phones and computers are going to start having the newer technology so no point having an outdated router too

[Dark Asylumn]

My Linksys is finally giving up the ghost and dropping connections - it's a WRT54GL, 802.11G, with the double antennas. I think the two antennas have been very helpful in getting me the range I need in our house. Our house is 100 feet long; the router is at one end and at the other end is a brick wall with a doorway, behind which is our living room; and that's where we connect via WiFi to a desktop, two Ipads and the Blu Ray. My gaming rig is in the same room as the router with an ethernet connection.

 

So, I'm looking for a new router and my primary concern is range - getting through that brick wall. PC mag in January listed what it considers the top 10 best routers -  http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2398080,00.asp - but the interesting thing here to me is that none of them have antennas. So, have we moved beyond the need for antennas to give us range?

 

What in your experience is the best router (price not a concern) to give me good range, and which won't require an engineer to set up?

 

Thanks for your help!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

(I should say that the desktop and Blu Ray will connect using the G spec, not N - don't know about the Ipads) 

 

thats so weird my wrt54gl  just did the same same about 4 months ago. I ve had that thing since they were first introduced. Then bam its game over for it

[KaptCrunch]

RT-N66U spec's N900 ultimate performance; 450+450Mbps

 

RT-AC66U spec's  AC1750 ultimate AC performance; 450+1300Mbps

[PimpedOutPete]

Hey Harry, I dropped you a PM. I may have a router for you..

[TheLastColdBeer]

Bought a NetGear N600 WNDR3400 a year or so ago. Same situation, 90' house, brick. Strong signal throughout the house & even out to end of the property. I don't broadcast my SSID.

[TBC_Shaggy]

+1 on the N66U. I have had mine for over a year and no issues. You can change the output power in the GUI. Great range. I dont have any 5Ghz devices so I cant comment on that aspect.

[Boomer]

truly wireless sucks ass anyway and its not as fast or dependable as hardwired, but if thats all you can do on the retro side of it, then thats how it is lol.....